Summary: In this episode, I’m talking to Dan Burdick, the lead of Play Design, a new division of R&D for Magic: The Gathering. While Mark Rosewater is trying to break the game, Dan and his crazy team of wizards is making sure Magic stays functional and playable. Dan considers all the cards available in the game of Magic to make up the physics engine that governs the MTG universe. He uses this unique way of thinking to balance the play environment for players. Dan has a motley crew of spell slinging professionals to help him make sure Kitty Combo doesn’t happen again… Melissa DeTora, Paul Cheon, Andrew Brown, Ian Duke, Bryan Hawlee, Adam Prosak, and Andrew Veen are the members of the new Play Design team. Stick around to the end so you can find out how to get a special signed card from Dan Burdick himself! Hey listeners, I’m excited for a special Patreon supporters gift from Dan Burdick. I have copies of Felidar Guardian signed by Dan Burdick. It’s a little funny, it’s a little troll. And it’s Dan’s way of telling the community that R&D owns up to its mistakes and is looking forward to a bright future with Play Design. Patreon Supporters at the $6 and higher get gifts like this from my guests. Head on over to Patreon.com/KitchenTableMagic and become a supporter. Hurry! Because quantities are limited! I’ve got a new YouTube Channel called Play MTG Woo! And if you like the Kitchen Table Magic podcast by Sam Tang, you’re gonna love the new YouTube channel Play MTG by Sam Tang! It’s an upbeat, fast paced new YouTube Channel featuring deck techs from Pros, learn to play tutorials, expert difficulty level up advice, single card discussion, MTG community news, and more. I’ve only got 1 video uploaded right now about my vlog from Hascon. So if you wanna see what I look like, go check me out on Twitter and Facebook. It’s at on https://YouTube.com/c/playmtg Follow the new show on https://Twitter.com/play_mtg It’s on https://Facebook.com/playmtg (all one word) I’ll have a link in the show notes at https://KitchenTableMagic.org I’m looking forward to creating content in video! Kitchen Table Magic is sponsored by: Card Kingdom! Are you looking for a Modern, Legacy, Commander or Standard staple? Card Kingdom has it in stock! Pre-order Ixalan now and get your singles when the new set drops! Support the podcast and use our affiliate link: https://CardKingdom.com/KTM when you shop. Paragon City Games! Kitchen Table Magic is brought you by Paragon City Games. They’re a community focused game store in Draper Utah that cares deeply about their player base. They invite you to join their in store stream at https://Twitch.tv/ParagonCityGames for weekly Legacy and Modern events. Hipsters of the Coast: Hey everyone! Great news! Kitchen Table Magic is now on Hipsters of the Coast. They’re the mages with the curly beards and the vegan potion options! Hipsters of the Coast is the premier news and strategy blog for the Magic: The Gathering Community. And Kitchen Table Magic is honored to be joining their lineup. If you’re listening to me right now from Hipsters of the Coast, I’m pleased to meet you. You’re going to love all the guests I have lined up for Season 3. And be sure to check out past episodes at KitchenTableMagic.org. If you’re new to the HotC blog, head on over to https://HipstersoftheCoast.com to get strategy and content for all your favorite formats. Music Credits (in order of appearance) Our theme song is Play the Game by Antracto (Yes I bought the rights, if you're curious) Great Days by Joakim Karud Dreams by Joakim Karud
